adventure x boat tours kona

Adventure X Boat Tours

Review Highlights

“ While we did not get a full adult breach, Captain Casey tried his hardest and kept us out longer than scheduled. ” in 24 reviews

“ I've been on Adventure X Boat Tours before, but our most recent trip with Kelsey , Kelsey, and Lindsey was fantastic! ” in 14 reviews

“ After about a 10 minute ride out to the " manta restaurant" we slid into the water to view the mantas. ” in 16 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Puako Boat Ramp, Puako Beach Dr

Waimea, HI 96743

You Might Also Consider

Waipio Valley Shuttle

Four-wheeled adventures in the historic Waipio Valley in Old Hawaii. Experience one of the most verdant valleys and wander through the meandering rivers that flow between the taro patches until they lose themselves in the… read more

Big Island Bees

Priya F. said "We booked a tour here, but unfortunately could not make the time. We still decided to do a pit stop. We arrived 10 mins prior to closing. I was blown away by Joe's hospitality. They were so kind and he sill took the time to give us…" read more

in Tours, Honey

Shells Go Go Tours

I am passionate about showing people the beauty & history of the Big Island. After living here for 35 years & doing tours for 10 years I have knowledge of best places to see. I offer snorkles, towels, umbrellas. I offer a variety of… read more

Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

Business Owner

Eager to channel your inner explorer while visiting the Big Island? Join us on our state-of-the-art Adventure Craft for the ocean excursion of a lifetime. With over 20 years in the business and Aloha spirit, our captain and crew are here to ensure your safety and provide an exhilarating experience for the whole family. We'll cruise the coastline, keeping an eye out for all the elegant creatures that inhabit the Hawaiian waters. From whales and dolphins to manta rays and green sea turtles, there's no telling what exciting encounters are in store. So climb aboard, and we'll set sail for adventure -- we can't wait to share the ocean and all its magic with you. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

How long is the boat ride to the manta snorkel and what type wetsuits are you given (shorty, full, 3/2)? Is it a lot less likely we will see mantas out of Pauko instead of Kona?

it was a 3/4 wetsuit and it took about 45 minutes. Afterwards they provided us with drinks and chips. It was an amazing experience!

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

167 reviews

Very knowledgable and friendly staff. Unlike several other tours where staff had an albeit understandable undertone of resenting the toursits, Everyone here was just really excited to share some beautiful wildlife with us. The rays are magnificent. Will absolutely do it again. Also, instead of trying to sell us an overpriced video afterwards, the guides just shared their GoPro footage with us for free. I wish this didn't stand out so much, but it really does. They were awesome.

May 20, 2024

Aloha Mike!! We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience on our manta ray night snorkel! Our guides are passionate about what they do and love sharing their manta footage with our guests. It's important to note that our business does not offer this footage; our guides simply enjoy capturing and sharing these magical moments because they genuinely love what they do. Thank you for your kind words, and we can't wait to have you join us for more unforgettable adventures in the future!

Super cool!! The crew was very nice and knowledgeable. I thought the boat ride would be loud and bumpy but it was quiet and smooth! A happy surprise. (The boat is like a pontoon/big version of a zodiac.). Shortie life jackets furnished as described. You WILL need them. Snorkel gear was sanitized and defogger sprayed in. All good working order. All gear sized to fit. Note: you need to have your arms outstretched in front of you as you hold onto to the surfboard/light boards. You lie flat on the surface of the water. Think Superman pose. My shoulders got really tired and I have one shoulder which gets super aggravated. I would just forewarn anyone who has shoulder problems. In retrospect maybe I could have asked for another pool noodle to support my upper body so I could have given my grumpy shoulder intermittent breaks. I solidly recommend because it was a super unique experience and the team was professional, well equipped and organized.

Wonderful time! Captain and crew were fantastic and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Adventure X Boat Tours. An Experience of a lifetime!

Used this company for our Manta Ray diving experience and it was superb! We had a large group of about 12 of us including adults, senior citizens, and children. Their staff was more than accommodating, the kind of service I would expect from a high-end resort. They were so good to my 4 year old who got nervous with how close Jolene got to us that they took her off to the side and explained how gentle these creatures were. She didn't come back to the float but they allowed her to hang out with grandma on the boat. They were very knowledgeable, and they provided the kids with snacks I would highly recommend using these guys

Diving with mantas!

Getting ready to launch!

This experience is definitely a 5 star activity. Getting to see "Kamala" gliding the water in search of her meal was amazing. Also, the kindness of the crew, the information offered and all questions answered gave us a greater understanding of the rays we were going to meet. The crew cared for everyone, even a sight impaired participant, and they cared for the mantas when they stopped people from a different group trying to dive down to touch these gentle giants. All of that was so AMAZING!!! However, the admin piece of this company can use some help. I tried calling to get more information about what was needed and only got a voicemail without a return call. I finally received an informational email - the day AFTER we went on this trip. So to help them out: -wear a swimsuit, take a towel and maybe a jacket for the return boat ride. -all shoes will be collected before you board the boat. -they have a storage space for all backpacks and bags. So definitely go!! This team was super kind, super helpful and really caring!!

Her name is Camala

Amazing experience! The guides were fun and knowledgeable. One beautiful ray hung out with us the whole time getting within inches of our face.

What an absolutely incredible experience!!! After seeing quite a bit of whale activity from the shore, I booked a whale watching tour with Adventure X Boat Tours at midnight the night before an 8am boat and it was just wonderful. From the kind energy, yummy snacks, just right size boat, and sightings we saw... something we will never forget! Saw quite a few whales and heard whale song through their hydrophone. Also was greeted by a large pod of spinner dolphins!! 10/10 recommended when on Big Island .. also .. MANTA RAY NIGHT DIVE!!!

The night swim with manta rays was amazing!!! We were blessed with a brilliant sunset, views of Haleakala, and 80-degree, crystal clear water. Nature didn't disappoint and neither did the crew! The guidance and support of the crew plus their knowledge and pure joy at their "work" made the trip feel like a family outing. This adventure was well worth the cost for the safety of the equipment, the professionalism of the crew, and the memories of the evening!!! Nancy Parsons, Evergreen, CO

May 2, 2024

Aloha! Thanks so much for your kind words. We appreciate your business and hope to see you again. Mahalo!

Great tour guides! So knowledgeable about whales Loved the homemade banana bread and fresh cut pineapple

I have been in search of whale watching opportunities since the late 1070's in Hawaii and several other States and countries. My favorite has been with Caseys Adventure X. First of all his current boat is the best design for comfort and viewing. The bathroom, fresh snacks and snorkeling equipment, towels are all great extras. His crew is really friendly and experienced and knowledgeable. Even more importantly they are kind people. Having been on his boat probably 15 plus times plus, kayaking, canoeing and SUP=Stand Up Paddleboarding in his business area and connecting on the water with his crews... I know the excitement he has generates to his crew and guests on board. I could tell great tales about whale's coming up to his boat and hanging around for long periods. Go out and take an X adventure! whales dolphins, manta rays etc.

Baby calf humpback comes up to check us out

32 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Holoholo Kai Charters

3.8 miles away from Adventure X Boat Tours

Explore the wonders just off shore with our water excursions, where each trip promises new sights and the thrill of discovery. read more

in Whale Watching Tours, Snorkeling, Boat Tours

Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours - Big Island

Join us on a PRIVATE two hour tour to see the volcano, lush valleys, waterfalls, and breathtaking coastlines. Have your pilot to yourself for a personalized experience. read more

People Also Viewed

Big Island Shaka

Liquid Hawaii

Ocean Sports

Kohala Divers

LightSUP Hawaii

Kohala Sail & Sea

Hawaii Surf and Kayak

Kohala Blue Sail Hawaii

Dolphin Quest

Best of Waimea

Things to do in Waimea

People found Adventure X Boat Tours by searching for…

Boat Cruise Waimea

Catamaran Snorkel Waimea

Chocolate Tour Waimea

Fair View Snorkel Waimea

Hawaii Big Island Adventures Waimea

Lava Hot Springs Waimea

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Waimea

Manta Ray Night Snorkeling Waimea

Manta Rey Snorkeling Waimea

Pier Fishing Waimea

Snorkeling Tour Waimea

Whale Watching Waimea

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Fishing Charter

Other Boat Tours Nearby

Find more Boat Tours near Adventure X Boat Tours

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Adventure X Boat Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Adventure X Boat Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Whale Watching & Snorkeling Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours & 30 minutes

Info Tour Info:

• Check-in: 30 minutes prior to departure
• What to Bring: Towel, hat, and “ reef-friendly” sunscreen which can be purchased on the boat . We’ll take care of the rest!
• Weather pending: Occasionally we offer a morning whale watch and snorkel. Call 808-937-7245 for availability and information.

Best Place To Watch Whales on the Big Island!

Our snorkel area is known for the turtles and the turtle cleaning stations.* This trip is for the adventurer looking to enjoy the surface activity of our humpback whales and experience the beauty of our coral reefs, fish, and turtles below.

Related Activities

• Hour Glass 2 hours

ULTIMATE #1 BIG ISLAND Whale Watch

Adventure X Boat Tours takes you right into the action. Guests experience the thrill of encountering these 80,000-pound animals in a close and safe way.

Adventure X Boat Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Adventure X Boat Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

BOOK MULTIPLE TOURS AND SAVE!

DOLPHIN DISCOVERIES

Ocean adventures & snorkel tours in kona, hawaii.

DOLPHIN DISCOVERIES OFFERS UNFORGETTABLE OCEAN ADVENTURES IN KONA, HAWAII. JOIN US FOR A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ADVENTURE.

• most popular!
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona

Gently slip into the ocean, relax and let our knowledgeable crew guide you to the areas to view the magnificent Kona Manta Rays. If you only have time for one snorkel trip while visiting Hawai’i this is the one to choose.

• Hour Glass 4.5 hours

Kona Snorkel Tours

Snorkel two of Kona’s best spots on one trip! On this peaceful early morning 4 hour adventure you get to snorkel the beautiful marine sanctuary at Captain Cook’s Monument in Kealakekua Bay and the Place of Refuge.

• Hour Glass 3 hours

Captain Cook Snorkel Tour

Snorkel the most popular and beautiful spot in all of Hawai’i, Kealakekua Bay. This 3 hour Captain Cook snorkel adventure leaves the dock for a more relaxed adventure to the best snorkel spot along the coast.

Kona Dolphin Tours

This wild dolphin watch and snorkel combo is the best value in town. Our naturalists guides take you along the Kona Coast to view wild dolphins. They will teach you about their life cycle, habitats, and behaviors.

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Kona Whale Watching Tour

This is an exclusive 2 hour trip to find the seasonal Humpback Whales (Dec.-March) and/or the year round Pilot Whales, Beaked-Whales, Melon-headed whales, and other species that can be found along the Kona coastline.

• Users All ages
• Hour Glass Custom

Kona Private Boat Charters

Join us on our exclusive and private four-hour “Holo Holo” excursion. This excursion is built exclusively for those who want a unique experience that is customizable and goes above and beyond a standard pleasure cruise.

WHO WE ARE: DOLPHIN DISCOVERIES

Originally founded as a Dolphin & Whale watch company. Dolphin Discoveries has expanded into one the premier snorkeling companies in Kona, providing our guests with memorable ocean experiences in Kona. We specialize in Manta Ray Snorkel Tours and Captain Cook Snorkel Trips. We are a Veteran Owned and Operated company. No matter which tour you book with us, you are ensured an experience of a lifetime.

Snorkel Kona Coast and Captain Cook with Dolphin Discoveries

If you’ve always wanted to snorkel the bays of the tropics, there is no better time than the present to book one of our highly rated snorkel tours on the Big Island. We will adventure around some of the highest rated snorkel spots in the world– featuring Cook’s Monument in Kealakekua Bay and the Place of Refuge; there is so much to explore along the Kona Coast and we will make sure to give you ample time in the water. Our tours are intermixed with the captain’s knowledge of the ocean, Hawaiian culture, as well as the history of the Big Island. We promise views of 100’s of different varieties of tropical fish along with an occasional “Honu” (Hawaiian green sea turtle) or local dolphins on all of our snorkel tours.

The Dolphin Discoveries Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona

Our most popular tour, the night snorkel with manta rays on the Big Island is something you’ll never forget. Let our experienced captain and crew guide you in and out of the water, as these magnificent creatures, with an average 12 foot wingspan, barrel roll and skim the ocean under and alongside you.

This has been voted the best tour that we offer. However, it is very popular so be sure to reserve your spot aboard the boat, today!

Our Private Boat Charter Experience on the Big Island, Hawaii

Ever wanted to charter your own boat, you’re in luck! Our private boat charters are available to you and are one of the best ways to experience the Kona Coast. These charters are all done at your own pace, with a knowledgeable captain and crew! Through booking this Private Boat Charter you open up the opportunity to snorkel in popular as well as private reefs, watch dolphins and other marine life top side, and learn more about Hawaiian culture and history!

Embark on Our Cornerstone Ocean Adventures in  Kona: Dolphin and Whale Watch Tours

Two of our foundational tours are our whale watching tour and dolphin watch & snorkel tours! Humpback whales are the Hawaiian Island’s favorite winter visitor; usually arriving between November to March in order to give birth and raise their young calves as well as mate– after about five weeks they then head back to the cold Alaskan waters. However, if you’d like to book this tour in the humpback’s off season, there are year-round whales that live around Hawaii, in the Pacific.

Our passion is dolphins; these year long marine favorites are some of the smartest mammals in the world. Our Wild Dolphin Watch and Snorkel combo is an amazing value! Our naturalists guides take you along the Kona Coast to view and learn about wild dolphins; from there we will go explore other ocean life that lives in the tropical waters around the island.

WHY BOOK YOUR OCEAN ADVENTURES & SNORKEL TOURS IN KONA WITH DOLPHIN DISCOVERIES?

At Dolphin Discoveries we provide a variety of ocean adventures to suit everyone. We provide ocean tours that entertain and educate our guests about Hawaii’s marine life and history. Let our naturalist crew guide you through fair seas, blue skies and spectacular views of the Big Island from one of our four fully outfitted rigid hull inflatable vessels on our quest to find marine life. Along your journey you may see dolphins , whales , manta rays , and sea turtles. Every day is different, we travel to the most frequented locations for sea life. Let us share it with you and your family!

Dolphin Discoveries is a leader in ethical dolphin treatment and dolphin education; we always put the interest and welfare of the dolphins in the forefront of everything we do. Our charters focus on observing dolphins, manta rays, and whales, while providing high-quality snorkeling experiences at Kealakekua Bay , home of the Captain Cook Monument and Honaunau Bay (Two Step).

SNAPSHOTS FROM OUR KONA ADVENTURE TOURS!

DOLPHIN DISCOVERIES REVIEWS

For 5 consecutive years, our snorkeling tours in kona earned tripadvisor's certificate of excellence.

What a fantastic way to spend an hour in the evening. We had 5 or 6 Manta's swimming within inches of us. The guide Jenn was excellent and helped keep us positioned for best viewing and helped some other guests that were not as experienced in the water and needed help with noodles. Captain Kai did a great job with the briefing and navigating around other boats with lots of folks in the water in the dark. Felt extremely safe and what a fun experience to have huge Manta's swim so close they rub against you. Highly recommend this experience and company.

The captain and crew/guides were great. At one point had 6 Manta Rays gliding under us. We had plenty of time to enjoy the graceful beauty the Rays shared with us.

This was by far the best ocean experience I have had on my trip. Captain Shelly and Conner were so knowledgeable and they made it fun!

The crew for Dolphin Discoveries were great in keeping us all safe and informed during our night snorkel. It was an amazing experience to see these beautiful manta creatures in their habitat. I would highly recommend this adventure for anyone kids and adults, an experience of a lifetime with my 13 year old daughter. We saw 3 gigantic mantas doing their thing up close and personal. Mahalo to the crew!

You cannot miss this opportunity if you are on the Big Island! It was truly one of the most amazing experiences my family and I have ever had. Not sure if we were just extra fortunate, but managed to see a constant flow of manta rays during the 45 minutes we were in the water. The experience felt so surreal as you watched these beautiful creatures swimming right below you - inches from your face.

It was such a wonderful experience! We saw so many manta rays! The guides were super helpful and kept us entertained all throughout the night. They made sure that everyone felt comfortable. They were very knowledgable and told us many facts throughout the whole trip. I've gone to other night manta ray snorkeling, but the tour with Dolphin Discoveries was by far my favorite! You can tell that the crew really care for their customers.

This was a fantastic experience. We saw so many manta rays during this trip! Those 45min in the water flew by as we had multiple rays barrel roll right beneath us, sometimes less than an inch away. Well organized and exactly as described. Appreciated that they provided wet suit tops and snorkel gear. Our trip was the 7:30pm time slot and we were back to our car by around 9:30.

Such a cool activity!!!! We had a nervous snorkeler and they took such good care of him! It all felt very safe! The Manta’s dance right in front of you!!!! Its mind blowing!! Did I mention it’s only a 5 minute boat ride!!!!! BOOK IT NOW!!!!

Adventure Tours Hawaii

Waikoloa whale watching cruise.

Located just minutes from the resorts at Waikoloa, come and experience the thrill of encountering these 80,000-pound animals in a close and safe way.

Humpback whales travel to the Hawaiian waters every winter for calving and breeding. We often see baby whales curiously scouting out our boat, fluke tails popping up, spouting from the blowhole and even the occasional full breaching mature whale.

Leaving out of Puako Boat Ramp, we enter the nursing grounds of mother humpback whales and their babies almost instantly. Go out a little further and you may witness a competition pod, a battle between males over the female.

The captains and crew are very knowledgeable about the behavior of these animals behavior and will share insightful facts throughout the entire trip. You definitely don’t want to miss out on a once in a lifetime whale watching experience.

**We even guarantee whale sightings, or come again…FREE

The Boat: Malaialena

One can’t ask for a more stable and safe vessel than the Malaialena. With the rigid inflatable tubes and the single aluminum hull, this boat is very stable and safe when it comes to ocean boating.

• Bathroom on board. Stand up marine head with full working toilet
• 60% of the boat is shaded
• Upper viewing deck that seats 4 people
• Padded seating inside the boat
• 8 speaker sound system. Microphone interpretation and music
• Underwater hydrophone: listen to the whale sing…LIVE!
• Standard safety features: Sonar, Radar, VHF radio, fire extinguishers, coast guard required life jackets.
• All captains hold current and up to date licenses, CPR/First Aid certified, and are trained in marine mammal education and conservation.
• Soft Drinks & Water
• Light Snacks
• Educational Whale Watching Tour
• Minimum Age to join this tour is 5 years old

Puako Boat Ramp - Puako Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

Kona Ocean Adventures

Cruises, scuba diving & snorkeling in kona, hi, private charters.

No experience or snorkel gear is required… and we’ve got lunch, too!

Creating Your Own Custom and Private Kona Ocean Adventure . Perfect for Family reunions, spiritual journeys, honeymoons, dive club trips or special vacations.  Book online and we will help you plan your perfect experience!

Adventure Like Never Before

Here at Kona Ocean Adventures , our daily cruises , snorkeling , and scuba diving tours are great for guests seeking to explore the beautiful marine life of Hawaii up-close. Perfect for family gatherings, reunions, and bachelorette parties, our certified team fosters a safe and informative learning environment for guests of all levels, whether you’re a novice or more advanced diver.

On our smooth-sailing, 4-hour charters, get a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather and sights of Hawaii. Even enjoy permitted access to the historic Kealakekua Bay , where guests can visit and explore the Captain Cook Monument . Aside from providing cultural and historical insights, our team also curates delicious farm-to-table refreshments – such as: fresh local fruit, Captain Danny’s homemade salsa, seasonally-fresh guacamole, fresh organic veggies and hummus, and a variety of Hawaiian chips sandwiches to choose from; gluten free, vegan, and low-carb options are available as well.

Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Kailua-Kona, HI

Manta Ray Snorkel

From $179 | Most Popular!

Up for an adventure!? Night-diving with Manta Rays  in Kona  is consistently ranked as a must-do. We’ll take you to a spot where the gentle giants gather in the evening to feed, and you can either snorkel with the Mantas or Scuba Dive. This is a very safe encounter.

Join us for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Kona Ocean Adventures provides full-service boat tours , and we only take small groups, making your experience truly special. Our modern boats are clean and spacious with plenty of shade. Our guides and crew are master divers with years of experience in these waters. They’re also a big reason why Trip Advisor ranks KOA so highly. They love what they do!

An Adventure Suitable For All Ages

Here at Kona Ocean Adventures, we pride ourselves of excellence. Our captains are licensed and coast guard certified, and carry great knowledge of dolphin watching on the Kona coast. With over 30 years of combined experience , our snorkel guides , dive masters & instructors boast as some of the best in the industry. Our charters are permitted for access into the historic Kealakekua Bay where the Captain Cook Monument is located. On our 4-hour charters, enjoy fresh-cut local fruit, variety of Hawaiian chips, Captain Danny’s homemade salsa, a variety of sandwiches, seasonally-fresh guacamole, fresh organic veggies and hummus. Our boats have plenty of shade, bathroom facilities, and a hot handheld shower.

Scuba Adventures

Book your next adventure today.

With over 30 years of experience and knowledge, Laure , Danny , and their crew of coast guard licensed captains provide amazing Hawaiian adventures for guests of all ages. Our snorkel guides and dive masters are some of the best in the industry; winning us the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence every year from 2012 to 2021! Our boats have plenty of shade, bathroom facilities, and a hot handheld shower. Book with us today for an amazing adventure you won’t forget!

Adventure X Boat Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ADVENTURE X BOAT TOURS (Puako) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Whale Watching from the Kohala Coast (small group raft)

This is the whale-watching tour for close encounters! Leaving out of Puako (near Waikoloa Village on the Kohala Coast), you will enter the nursing grounds of mother humpback whales and their babies. Go out a little further and you may witness a competition pod. Enjoy whale-watching on a power raft!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Activity Overview

• Departs From: Big Island – Waikoloa and Kohala Coast
• Duration: 2 hours
• Included in the price: Guaranteed sightings, cold drinks and snacks, bathroom onboard

Whale Watching Tour Highlights

• 2.5 hour tour
• Snacks and drinks provided
• Small group experience with a maximum of 20 passengers
• Enjoy whale watching on a power raft, this is the tour for close encounters!
• Children 3 and up are welcome
• The power raft has an awning for sun protection and you can sit up high in their crows nest for excellent viewing!

Whale-watching tours start at $125 and are from January to mid-March.

Book directly with Adventure X Boat Tours at our Book Here button . They will email you a confirmation email and take care of the rest of your whale-watching tour! Booking with our button helps us write more Hawaii travel info, at no cost to you. Mahalo for your support!

Puako Bay Whale Watching Experience

My son Henry and I headed out one morning from our Kohala Resort (Mauna Lani Resort) for the 15-minute drive to Puako Bay Boat Ramp. We loved it. The tranquil water, the boat ride, the manta ray sighting, and of course the whales!

Watch our video below to feel the experience and get some tips on whale watching in Puako Bay or the Big Island in general. Remember to book here if this trip interests your group as booking on our website is a direct booking with the tour operator and it helps us make more reviews! Mahalo!

Whale Watching in Puako Bay

If you’ve always wanted to go whale watching on the Big Island, you’re in luck! Humpback whales travel to the Hawaiian waters every winter to mate, birth, and nurse.

From baby whales curiously scouting out the boat to witnessing a triple breach, Adventure X Boat Tours has seen it all during their Big Island whale-watching tours.

The captains and crew are very knowledgeable about humpback whale behavior and will share insightful facts throughout the entire trip.

Reasons to Go Whale Watching With Adventure X

Want to ditch the crowds? Adventure X offers small group tours aboard their 30 ft rigid inflatable raft. Here are the reasons you need to go whale watching with Adventure X.

If you’re staying in Waikoloa or along the Kohala Coast, this is the whale-watching tour to book. Conveniently departs from Puako Boat Ramp ( click for directions ) on the Kohala Coast between the Fairmont and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (40 minutes north of Kailua-Kona).

For whale-watching tours leaving closer to Kailua-Kona, see our recommended power rafting tour and boat tour . Those may be more convenient for you.

We love whale-watching on a power raft! While they would never chase a whale, they can cover more ground to find them and they carry a maximum of 20 passengers! Their Malaialena is a 30 ft Rigid Inflatable Boat, the type of boat that is considered one of the safest (hence the coast guard uses them).

She is a fun and comfortable ride with padded seats, shade, an upper viewing deck that seats 4, AND a bathroom on board!

Onboard Naturalist

A marine naturalist onboard to answer all your questions

Listen to Whale Songs

They will dip the hydrophone in the water so you can listen to whale songs

Bring Your Camera

Bring your phone or professional camera for pictures. We like to bring our GoPro (underwater camera) on a selfie stick to get underwater shots.

2-Hour Duration Tours

Two-morning tours a day are available, 8 AM and 10:30 AM. Check-in 30-minutes prior to departure. Ages 3 and older are welcome.

Departs from the Kohala Coast

The departure location is Puako Boat Ramp ( click for directions ), just north of Waikoloa.

Drinks and Snacks Provided

Cold drinks and snacks are provided. Bring sunscreen and a hat. Click the Book Here button to learn more!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Children must be 3+ years old. There is a 48-hour cancellation policy.

What does the marine naturalist do onboard?

Adventure X Boat Tours has a wonderful team of marine naturalists. Their marine naturalist guides will be onboard sharing marine educational info.

Can I bring a good camera?

Absolutely! Bring a GoPro or another suitable water camera to get underwater shots. You can also bring your fancy camera but there may be light spray so make sure you can keep it dry.

Does Adventure X provide transport from my hotel or condo?

While staying on the island, you will probably find it cheaper and more convenient to rent a car. Otherwise, there are a number of taxi companies and ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft that can assist you.

What do I bring on the whale watching trip?

Bring a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and a camera! There is dry storage onboard for backpacks and purses.

Will I get seasick?

These small, fast-moving boats have a tendency to cause less seasickness than other types of boats. However, as a precaution, motion sickness medicine should be taken the night before the tour to solve all worries.

Are the boats covered?

Yes, there is a shade canopy on all the rafts.

Adventure X Boat Tours specializes in giving guests safe, quality, and fun ocean adventures that are respectful and sustainable to the ocean, animals, and island.

Known for the hospitality of their captain and crew, guests experience the true aloha spirit and knowledge of the islands and the sea.

We are affiliate partners with Adventure X Boat Tours which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can  read more about our affiliate policies here . Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!

This is the most comprehensive Hawaii vacation planning resource on the internet!

TOP RESOURCES

• Join Our Newsletter
• Hawaii Itineraries
• Tours & Activities
• Top Travel Gear
• Discount Car Rentals

ISLAND GUIDES

• Planning A Trip To Hawaii
• Oahu Island Guide
• Maui Island Guide
• Hawai’i (Big Island) Guide
• Kauai Island Guide

Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Your use of the information described in, your participation in activities presented in, and/or your engagement of any Travel Service Providers presented in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and/or Services may carry the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, death, or property damage. You voluntarily and freely assume all risks and dangers that may occur pursuant to your access, use, purchase, or participation in any information, activity, good, or service described in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services or provided by any Travel Service Providers.

Don’t start planning without our cheat sheets

You’ll get:

• 4 can’t-miss activities on each island,
• a map with the main sights in town,
• and famous local grindz (eats)!

Review Cart

No products in the cart.